Nigerian Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan-Enoh has stated that without any doubt, sports tourism plays an essential role in promoting African tourist destinations and fostering cultural exchange.
Senator Enoh pronounced this while delivering his key note address at the 2024 inaugural African Sports and Tourism Awards on the theme: Sports as Catalyst for Accelerating Tourism Development in Africa held at the Congress Hall Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja recently.
The Minister noted that Sports and Tourism are two dynamic industries in their own right which have converged to form a powerful catalyst for economic development with a remarkable ability to bridge cultures, foster economic growth, ignite social change and create opportunities to harness their collective energy thereby propelling Africa towards a better future innovations.
“Sports and tourism, two dynamic industries in their own right, converged to form a powerful catalyst for economic development. They possess the remarkable ability to bridge cultures, foster economic growth and ignite social change.
“As we stand at the intersection of these two vibrant sectors, we are presented with a unique opportunity to harness their collective energy and propel Africa towards a future of prosperity and innovation.”he said.
According to the statement released by the Ministry, the Minister advocated for the need to view sports as a big business and invest more in sports infrastructure and sports events to drive the narratives.
Owan- Enoh emphasized that to support and enhance sports tourism in Nigeria and across Africa, we must focus on creating initiatives and opportunities that harness the power of sports to drive tourism which he said includes investing in sports infrastructure, hosting of sports events, and developing tailored tourism packages that cater to sports enthusiasts.
The Minister reiterated the importance of collaboration and partnership between the public and private sectors in advancing sports tourism initiatives which he said that by working together they would create a vibrant sports tourism industry that benefits communities and promote Africa as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts worldwide.
“I would like to emphasize the importance of collaboration and partnership between the public and private sectors in advancing sports tourism initiatives. By working together we can create a vibrant sports tourism industry that benefits our communities, and promotes Africa as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts worldwide”.
Enoh also enjoined all stakeholders, the private sector, organizations, African governments and those interested in the intersection of sports and tourism in Africa to continue in their capacity to promote sports tourism.
“The Ministry of Sports Development under my watch will continue to seek collaboration with critical stakeholders on initiatives and opportunities that will propel us to achieving our goals in the sports tourism sector.
Together, we can unlock the full potential of this dynamic industry and showcase the best that Africa has to offer to the world.”
While delivering her welcome Address, the founder and the Convener of the event, Amb. Peace Onuiri said that Federal Ministry of Sports Development, and the Africa Sports Tourism Awards, ASTA represent a pivotal moment in highlighting the immense potential of sports in driving tourism growth across Africa.
She added that the award is aimed to recognize and celebrate individuals, organizations and initiatives that have demonstrated outstanding contributions to leveraging sports to propel tourism development.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished men and women who have strengthened and impacted sports, culture and tourism sector.
They were the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, leader of Igbos world wide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Youth and Sports Republic of Ghana, Hon. Mustapha Ussif and others.
The event was attended by diplomats and high level dignitaries including Amb. Mariam Morales of Cuba, Amb. Alberto Castelar of Venezuela, Amb. Auwal Wogriss Mohammed of Ethiopia among others.